Hancock County
46,492
Total Population
↑ +1.0% from 2020
$67,728
Median Household Income
↑ +18.7% from 2020
45.7
Median Age
→ Stable (45 in 2020)
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
↓ Well below state average
Hancock County serves as Mississippi’s coastal gateway to the west, blending historic charm with cutting-edge aerospace technology. Established in 1812 and named for Founding Father John Hancock, the county is home to the John C. Stennis Space Center, a premier NASA rocket testing facility that drives the local economy. The county seat, Bay St. Louis, is celebrated for its artistic community, beachfront dining, and resilience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. From the quiet marshes of the Pearl River to the bustling scientific corridors, Hancock County offers a unique mix of preservation and innovation.